The Looking-Glass for the Mind or Intellectual MirrorBy: M. (Arnaud) Berquin (1747-1791)

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Transcriber's Note: Chapter headings in the table of Contents and in the main body of the book appear as they do in the original. Phrases printed in italics in the original version are indicated in this electronic version by (underscore). A list of amendments are given at the end of the book.

The following pages may be considered rather as a Collection of the BEAUTIES of M. BERQUIN, than as a literally abridged translation of that work, several original thoughts and observations being occasionally introduced into different parts of them.

The stories here collected are of a most interesting kind, since virtue is constantly represented as the fountain of happiness, and vice as the source of every evil. Nothing extravagant or romantic will be found in these tales: neither enchanted castles, nor supernatural agents, but such scenes are exhibited as come within the reach of the observations of young people in common life; the whole being made familiar by an innocent turn of thought and expression, and applied to describe their amusements, their pursuits, and their necessities.

As a useful and instructive Pocket Looking Glass , we recommend it for the instruction of every youth, whether miss or master; it is a mirror that will not flatter them, nor lead them into error; it displays the follies and improper pursuits of youthful breasts, points out the dangerous paths they sometimes tread, and clears the way to the Temple of Honour and Fame .

CONTENTS.

Little Adolphus 1 Anabella's Journey to Market 8 The Absurdity of young People's Wishes exposed 16 Louisa's Tenderness to the little Birds in Winter 21 The Story of Bertrand, a poor Labourer, and his little Family 31 Nancy and her Canary bird, poor Cherry 38 The Birds, the Thorn bushes, and the Sheep 48 Poor Crazy Samuel, and the mischievous Boys 54 Bella and Marian 60 Little Jack 75 Leonora and Adolphus 91 Flora and her little Lamb 97 The fruitful Vine 102 Sir John Denham and his worthy Tenant 107 Alfred and Dorinda 118 Rosina; or, the froward Girl reformed 122 Little Anthony 128 History of Jonathan the Gardener 132 The Sparrow's Nest 138 William and Thomas; or, the Contrast between Industry and Indolence 145 Mischief its own Punishment 150 Antony and Augustus; or, Rational Education preferable to Riches 158 The destructive Consequences of Dissipation & Luxury 167 William and Amelia 175 The Rival Dogs 187 Cleopatra; or, the Reformed little Tyrant 193 The Passionate Boy 197 Caroline; or, a Lesson to cure Vanity 201 Arthur and Adrian; or, Two Heads better than One 213 Madam D'Allone and her Four Pupils 217 The Bird's Egg 224 The Covetous Boy 234 Dissipation the certain Road to Ruin 242 Calumny and Scandal great Enemies to Society 247 Clarissa; Or, the Grateful Orphan 252 Returning Good for Evil, the noblest Revenge 257 Grey Hairs made Happy 263